Episode Details

In this powerful episode of Code Red, Pastor Zach Terry sits down with evangelist Mark Witt of Following Our Father Ministry. Mark shares the heartbreaking story of losing his godly father in a tragic hunting accident on the last day of deer season when Mark was just 12 years old. What began as years of bitterness toward God transformed into one of the most remarkable redemption stories.

Through this pain, Mark and his brother Dan have seen countless people — including pastors, deacons, Sunday school teachers, prisoners, and everyday "rednecks" at wild game dinners — come to genuine faith in Jesus. Mark unpacks forgiveness, the reality of heaven and hell, why so many in church may be "missing heaven by 18 inches" (head knowledge vs. heart trust), and how God turns tragedy into eternal impact.

This conversation will challenge you to examine your own eternity and encourage you to share the gospel boldly. If you've lost a father, struggled with unforgiveness, or wondered if God can use real pain for good — this is for you.

Timestamps:

• 00:00 Intro & App Promo (Maximum Life Plus)
• 00:47 The Day Dad Died: The Hunting Accident Story Begins
• 01:27 Mark Witt Joins the Studio – Old Friends Reunite
• 02:23 Growing Up: Godly Parents, Hunting Traditions, & Faith
• 03:39 December 14th – The Last Hunt & Tragic Mistake
• 04:57 The Shooter’s Redemption: From Bar Owner to Pastor
• 06:50 How Dad’s Witness Led to Salvation After Death
• 08:31 God Doesn’t Make Mistakes – Realizing the Bigger Plan
• 09:46 Finishing Dad’s Sermon on Heaven
• 12:24 Mom’s Forgiveness & Godly Example
• 13:29 Teaching Kids Sunday School – Changed My Life
• 15:22 Discovering the Gift of Evangelism
• 17:23 Wild Game Dinners & Seeing Half a Church Get Saved
• 19:15 Touching Dad’s Hand in the Casket – Knowing I’d See Him Again
• 20:06 Missing Heaven by 18 Inches – Dad’s Warning
• 22:45 Reaching “Assumed Christians” – Pastors, Deacons, & Longtime Members
• 25:41 The Enemy Doesn’t Care Where You Go to Hell From
• 27:30 The Decline of Revival Meetings & the Role of Evangelists Today
• 31:18 “You’ll Be a Better Deacon If You Get Saved”
• 33:29 Calling the Shooter to Forgive Him – Grace in Action
• 36:21 Ministry Going Global – Pakistan & Beyond
• 39:14 Partnering with Evangelists Like Missionaries
• 40:05 What Hosting Mark Looks Like – No Fees, Just Travel
• 41:06 Wild Game Dinners & Men’s Events Playbook
• 45:56 Fun Hunting Story with Son Zach – Turkey Hunt Gone Wrong (Hilarious!)
• 48:44 Full-Time Ministry & Retirement
• 49:23 Connect with Following Our Father Ministry
• 50:06 Zach’s Endorsement – Integrity in Evangelism
• 52:33 Closing & Final Turkey Hunt Clip

Connect with the guests:

Pastor Zach Terry / Code Red: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/zachterrypastor Website & Ministry: https://zachterry.org Podcast: Code Red with Zach Terry (available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, etc.)

Mark Witt – Following Our Father Ministry: Website: https://www.followingourfather.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FollowingOurFatherMinistry Contact for booking, tracts ("Mistaken Identity"), or support: followingourfather@gmail.com (nonprofit 501(c)(3))

If this episode impacted you, share it with someone who needs to hear about forgiveness, eternity, and the power